By the end of the nineteenth century, which city had become the center of the American music publishing business?

By the end of the nineteenth century, New York City emerged as the central hub of the American music publishing industry due to several key factors. The city's extensive population and diverse demographic created a fertile ground for a variety of musical styles, leading to increased demand for sheet music and other musical publications. Furthermore, New York's geographical position as a bustling metropolitan center facilitated the gathering of musicians, composers, and publishers, which in turn stimulated the growth and professionalization of the music industry.

The development of Tin Pan Alley in the late 1800s, located in Manhattan, played a crucial role in this transformation. It became synonymous with American popular music publishing, where songwriters and publishers would work in close proximity, allowing for collaboration and innovation. The rise of the phonograph and radio in the early twentieth century also contributed to New York's prominence, as the city continued to lead in the recording and distribution of music.

Other cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Los Angeles contributed to the musical landscape but did not reach the same level of prominence in music publishing during this time period. Chicago was significant for its contributions to jazz and blues, New Orleans is recognized as the birthplace of jazz, and Los Angeles became more influential in the twentieth century, particularly in film